Darjeeling: Home of Indian Culture and Tea at the Foothills of the Himalaya
Beautiful and sprawling Darjeeling, India is located in West Bengal. Found on the Himalayan Foothills, it used to be a popular summer destination for the British Raj elite. Darjeeling is also the terminus for the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The town is perhaps best known for the distinctive black tea that is grown on the surrounding plantations. Another backdrop to Darjeeling is Mt. Kanchenjunga, one of the highest peaks in the world.
Best Time to Visit
Darjeeling sees the most visitors from March to June. Although it enjoys warm climate throughout the year, it does have a monsoon season, which brings torrential downpours. This usually happens from June to September. If you are interested in local festivals, visit in September or October, in time for the Durga Puja. For the best Darjeeling, India hotel deals, visit outside of the peak season. Another way to get great accommodation rates is to book your stay early.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Some of the tea plantations in the area offer guided tours. Check with the local tourist center to see which ones you can visit. There are also many beautiful gardens in Darjeeling. Check out the local Botanical Gardens. If you are interested in mountaineering and learning about its history, be sure to visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute Museum. There also are several noteworthy landmarks in Darjeeling including the beautiful Japanese Peace Pagoda. After exploring all that the city has to offer, head back to your hotel and get relaxed and pampered. You can book a stay at the beautiful Sterling Darjeeling – Resorts and Hotels. You can also choose the well reviewed The Elgin, Darjeeling, found just minutes from some of the top tourist spots.